Data Security Responsibilities: I am aware that paid tax return preparers must have a data security plan to provide data and system security protections for all taxpayer information.
What is a Data Security Plan:
A data security plan is a comprehensive strategy implemented by organizations to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. It typically includes measures such as encryption, access controls, regular audits, employee training, and incident response procedures to mitigate risks and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. In the context of tax return preparers, a data security plan would specifically address the protection of taxpayer information in compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards.
Why is this needed for tax preparers:
Tax preparers need to have a data security plan in place to protect taxpayer information as required by IRS regulations. This question is aimed at ensuring that tax preparers have measures in place to safeguard sensitive taxpayer data from unauthorized access or disclosure.
How can we help:
Bellwether has developed a survey specifically for tax preparers to ensure they are compliant with the IRS regulations. The survey is approximately 75 questions, and once completed, Bellwether generates a report that highlights your current data security posture. We then share our recommendations and then create a data security plan for your firm.
